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* This short video clip was compiled from footage filmed during three studio showings in
February 2002, at the culmination of a twelve week creative development period. |
Without Trace
Without Trace is a work of imagination based on a true event. 70 minutes long, the show features a masked actor, animated effects, and rich visual imagery. In addition there is an evocative soundtrack of traditional Chinese and contemporary music, stunning lighting effects and a transforming set created from an enormous sheet of brown paper.
"Excellent, evocative, stuunning, superb" " Great drama and wonderful theatre!" "A lovely poetic piece of work" "Captivating and original" |
On July 11th 1903, a Chinese man suspected of having leprosy was arrested in Wellington, New Zealand. He was isolated on a small rocky islet off the northern tip of Somes Island in Wellington Harbour where he remained alone until his death eight months later. Today he lies in an unmarked grave somewhere on Somes.
The play covers the period of Kong Laai's internment to his death 8 months later. In the beginning an enormous sheet of brown paper is sculpted into an island. Kong Laai's only communication with the outside world is a flying-fox which delivers his food, letters and memories. The latter take the form of shadow plays and Guignolesque performances that emerge out of a mysterious floating pagoda. His only companionship is in the the form of a love-hate relationship with a seagull who mercilessly torments him, reminding him of an old adversary back in China. Kong Laai endures a storm which blends into a feverish nightmare, struggling to retain the memory of his family and facing the unthinkable reality that he will never return home. Finally the island transforms into a huge tidal wave engulfing Kong Laai. The island/wave flows back to a smooth, flat sheet of brown paper like the tide washing away all traces of occupation. Kong Laai has disappeared ... without trace.
The play covers the period of Kong Laai's internment to his death 8 months later. In the beginning an enormous sheet of brown paper is sculpted into an island. Kong Laai's only communication with the outside world is a flying-fox which delivers his food, letters and memories. The latter take the form of shadow plays and Guignolesque performances that emerge out of a mysterious floating pagoda. His only companionship is in the the form of a love-hate relationship with a seagull who mercilessly torments him, reminding him of an old adversary back in China. Kong Laai endures a storm which blends into a feverish nightmare, struggling to retain the memory of his family and facing the unthinkable reality that he will never return home. Finally the island transforms into a huge tidal wave engulfing Kong Laai. The island/wave flows back to a smooth, flat sheet of brown paper like the tide washing away all traces of occupation. Kong Laai has disappeared ... without trace.
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Creative Team:
Story: Annie Forbes, Tim Denton and Gary Henderson Director: Gary Henderson Original Soundtrack: David Downes Script: Gary Henderson Puppet and Set Design: Annie Forbes and Tim Denton Choreography and Costume Design: Paul Jenden Lighting Design: Lisa Maule |
Original Cast and Crew:
Kong Laai: Tim Denton Lead Puppeteer: Annie Forbes Stage Assistants: Louis Solino, Paul Jenden Sound Operator: David Downes Lighting Operator: Lisa Maule |
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Without Trace was developed with the financial assistance of Creative New Zealand. |
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